FUSIC HD. Comprehensive haemodynamic assessment with ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Cardiovascular Ultrasound
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

Background:

• Hemodynamic assessment is crucial for managing acutely unwell patients.
• Existing methods may lack comprehensive, integrated approaches.
• Focused Ultrasound in Intensive Care (FUSIC) has developed modules for specific critical care ultrasound applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and explain the FUSIC haemodynamics (HD) module.
• To outline the rationale, training pathway, and core clinical questions of FUSIC HD.
• To establish a standardized ultrasound-based hemodynamic assessment protocol for intensive care.

Main Methods:

• The FUSIC HD module utilizes ultrasound to interrogate major cardiac, arterial, and venous structures.
• Assessment is guided by ten key clinical questions addressing stroke volume, valve function, ventricular function, and pressures.
• This systematic approach aims to direct time-critical interventions in critically ill patients.

Main Results:

• The FUSIC HD module provides a structured framework for complete hemodynamic assessment using ultrasound.
• It integrates evaluation of cardiac, arterial, and venous systems.
• The ten key questions cover essential aspects of hemodynamic evaluation in critical care.

Conclusions:

• FUSIC HD represents a novel, comprehensive ultrasound-based system for hemodynamic assessment in intensive care.
• This standardized approach facilitates rapid, targeted interventions for acutely unwell patients.
• The module aims to improve the quality and consistency of hemodynamic monitoring in critical care settings.